Report by YSS To MIC General Assembly

Several systematic research studies have been done to analyse the community's struggles. These covered:

Squatter Survey (Kuala Lumpur & Subang)

1. Small Estates
2. Tamil schools
3. Lunas Community
4. Housing for Selangor Estate Workers
5. Social Services

The aim is to create awareness about social issues and to assist and guide the target groups towards mainstream development. The work is headed by a Director Mrs Jasmine Adaickalam and she is assisted by nine officers. Some 70 volunteers also contribute their time and energy to implement programmes at the grassroots level. The services provided are:

Computer Centres - YSS runs six such centres to promote IT among the marginalised Indian community. These centres give children the opportunity to improve their creativity and skills in IT. The centres are located in squatter settlements. Four centres in Kuala Lumpur are run with the Nadi Programme of KL City Hall while the other two centres are run by YSS in PJ Selatan and Segamat. As at February 2001, 733 students had completed the basic course. There are 116 students in the basic course and 175 in the IT clubs.

Self-Help Groups – This is a unique programme involving women from squatter settlements. A total of 73 women from squatter settlements are participating in this programme. There are six self-help groups in PJ Selatan and Kepong. Up till January 2001, they had saved RM10,660. The women are involved in areas like card sales and sewing classes.

Women in Development Project – several programmes have been planned to create awareness about their roles in national development. An `Indian Women in Development’ Symposium was held, followed by a `Moving the Mountains’ seminar. Other programmes include three Health & Nutrition dialogues. More than 200 women attended the dialogues.

Programmes for Single Mothers - A survey of 58 squatter areas in Kuala Lumpur identified 505 single mothers. It is the aim to plan special programmes to improve their quality of life, like self-help and micro finance schemes. YSS teams have visited 180 single mothers in 18 areas in FT. A self-help group has been formed with 20 women in Jinjang Utara. A gathering of single mothers was held during World Women’s Day. Some 100 women received a sari each from the MIC President.

Tafe Student Counselling - Between January 2000 and February 2001, some 629 students visited the counsellor at Tafe Seremban. The counsellor also visits students to build relationships and trust. The student counselling team also organised 14 programmes including five orientation programmes and also helped conduct moral classes.

(Submitted on 31st December 2001)